Real Madrid stunned the football world on Monday by ending their collaboration with Xabi Alonso, just hours after the defeat against FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
The club immediately appointed Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement, a decision that caught fans and media off guard. Despite mixed results since his arrival last summer, many observers expected Madrid to show more patience. According to Spanish reports, Alonso expressed his growing frustration during talks with the board, and both sides agreed that continuing together was no longer viable.
Controversy escalated on Tuesday when it emerged that seven players had not publicly reacted to his departure. Marca named Franco Mastantuono, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, Brahim Díaz, Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, and Vinícius Júnior among those who remained silent.
This absence of farewell messages has sparked debate in Spain, especially regarding Vinícius, whose tense relationship with Alonso already fueled speculation about his future. As Álvaro Arbeloa takes charge, Real Madrid must quickly restore unity while questions linger over the handling of Xabi Alonso’s exit.